Chinese army commissions new logistics ship to bolster South China Sea presence

The new logistics support ship that was commissioned into the PLA in November 2015. Source: Chinese internet, via People's Daily Online
Key Points

• The Chinese army has commissioned a new logistics support ship
• The vessel will bolster the People's Liberation Army logistics capabilities in the South China Sea

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has commissioned a new logistics support ship and plans to station the vessel in the South China Sea region to support replenishment operations, a PLA-backed website has reported.

In an article published on 24 November, China Military Online - the website of the semi-official newspaper PLA Daily - described the vessel as the PLA's "largest ship commissioned". The vessel (pennant number GY820) was reportedly inducted on 23 November in Sansha, a prefectural-level city that was established on Woody Island, in the South China Sea, in July 2012.

In June 2015, IHS Jane's reported on the vessel's appearance, and estimated its full load displacement to be around 3,500 tonnes. China Military Online lists the vessel's maximum displacement as 2,700 tonnes.

The ship has a length of 90 m, a width of 14.6 m, and a flight deck that can accommodate a Z-9 utility helicopter. This is the second-known PLA vessel that features a roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) design. As reported by IHS Jane's back in June, the ship's design could limit its contribution to amphibious operations; however, it could be used instead to supply equipment and stores to coastal and island garrisons.

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Chinese army commissions new logistics ship to bolster South China Sea presence | IHS Jane's 360